Prevention is key when it comes to measles

Rise in measles cases in Canada prompts timely reminder to residents of measures to prevent measles

Amid a rise in measles cases in Canada, Southwestern Public Health is reminding local residents of measures to prevent the spread of the highly infectious viral infection.

“The majority of current cases in Canada are linked to international travel. However, some regions have reported cases that are not linked to travel, which is concerning,” says Dr. Ninh Tran, Medical Officer of Health at Southwestern Public Health. “We have not had a case reported to public health in this region yet, which provides us with an opportunity to act preventively.”

While there is no specific treatment for measles, vaccine can prevent it. Measles-containing vaccinations have been administered in Ontario since the 1970s as part of routine immunizations for children attending school. A past measles infection can also provide protection against a future measles infection.

Public health recommends these preventive measures:

• Know your immunization and illness history. Visit www.swpublichealth.ca/vaccineswork to review your or your child’s vaccination history. Contact your health care provider if you are missing any vaccinations.
• Stay updated with routine vaccinations. Children routinely receive the first dose of measles-containing vaccine at one year of age and a second dose from ages four to six years. In general, adults who have already received two doses or were born before 1970 are considered protected against measles. Any adult with only one dose is eligible to receive a second if they are planning to travel to areas of concern, or they are a health care worker or post-secondary student. Contact your health care provider if you have questions.

• Book an appointment for routine vaccinations. Public health vaccinates children up to age 18. Appointments are required and can be booked online at www.swpublichealth.ca/booking. Children and adults can also access measles-containing vaccine through their health care provider or select Travel Medicine Clinics.
• Stay home if you are unwell. Symptoms include cough, high fever, runny nose, red watery eyes (conjunctivitis), and a red rash that begins on the face and spreads to the rest of the body. Measles can linger in the air for up to 2 hours and is most contagious in the 4 days before and the 4 days after the rash develops.  

“Early symptoms of measles can resemble a common cold which is why you should stay home whenever you feel unwell,” says Dr. Tran. “If you think you have measles, avoid contact with other people and contact your health care provider to arrange testing. Most importantly, call before you visit so they can prepare for your arrival.”

Measles is a reportable disease of public health significance that can carry complications such as diarrhea, ear infections, and pneumonia. Rarely, measles can cause brain infections and death. Learn more about measles, vaccination, and more at www.swpublichealth.ca/measles.